Migraine and hormones
Hormonal irregularities may explain why migraines become chronic, according to new research. Around 3 per cent of the population suffer from chronic migraines, experiencing pounding headaches for around 15 days a month. Researchers compared blood samples from 17 chronic-migraine sufferers with samples from healthy people, to assess levels of hormones controlled by the hypothalamus, at the front of the brain.
The results revealed abnormalities not seen in the healthy volunteers. Chronic-migraine sufferers are often afflicted by insomnia; the insomniacs in the study had lower than normal levels of melatonin, which helps to regulate sleep.
Levels of cortisol, which the body produces when it is under stress, were significantly higher in the migraine sufferers, while prolactin levels were lower. Prolactin counterbalances dopamine, a neurotransmitter whose suppression can alleviate headaches.
Womb trouble
Endometriosis is a common problem for women, with approximately one in 10 suffering from the disease. It is caused when fragments of endometrium, or lining of the womb, grow elsewhere, such as the outer wall of the uterus, the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs. During menstruation, these sites become engorged, causing painful and heavy periods. Sufferers complain of a dragging pain in the back, pelvis or abdomen during menstruation. They may also experience pain during sexual intercourse. The severity of the condition ranges from mild to severe. Many women with the condition experience no symptoms, but for those with the severe form, endometriosis can be a particularly troublesome and debilitating disease, and it may be implicated in infertility. The topic will be covered in LΘargas, on RT╔ 1 at 7 p.m. tomorrow.
Genetic link to MS
New research has suggested that susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) is genetically determined. A study of siblings with MS showed that only one-third of them had similar initial symptoms, and there were no obvious similarities in the rate of relapse. The way the disease progressed was identical in 50 per cent of the siblings, however. The extent and severity of disease, in terms of eventual handicap and disability, were also very alike.
Keeping babies healthy
Of the 53,000 babies born in the Republic each year, more than 2,000, or 4 per cent, are premature. They need more care than full-term babies and are particularly susceptible to infections. The highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) appears at this time of the year. As well as being potentially fatal for infants, RSV is associated with asthma in later childhood. Incubabies, a support organisation for parents with premature babies, advises parents to avoid RSV by taking hygiene precautions and avoiding those with colds or fevers. You can contact its helpline at 1850-421428.
Dry at night?
Up to 20 per cent of five-year-olds and five per cent of 10-year-olds have bed-wetting problems. If your children regularly wet their beds, encourage them to drink throughout the day, so they recognise the feeling of a full bladder; avoid fizzy and caffeine-containing drinks; eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and cereals to help avoid constipation, which can contribute to bed-wetting; leave a light on at night, for easy access to the bathroom; and stay calm. There are more suggestions in a free leaflet from Irish Enuresis Advisory Group, c/o Ferring Ireland, United Drug House, Belgard Road, D24.
Compiled by Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie